DISCLAIMER!: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke and the cover image used for the fanfic. Both belong to their respective owners.
If you don't like yaoi (boy x boy) then please don't read this.
Chapter 2 - The One I Love
A teal haired boy is sleeping in his prison cell quietly. The boy's chest rose up and down with every breath as he pulled on his poor excuse of a blanket to try to cover himself from the cold winds going in and out of his cell. The cell itself is rectangular with only a double-decker bed and a small table accompanied with an almost broken wooden chair.
The left wall of the room didn't have a wall but instead cold metal bars which decorated the space, allowing the boy to look outside. Outside however, the only sight the boy could see is a number of countless other cells which are arranged in a circular pattern. The prison building is in the shape of a circle, resulting in a huge hole in the middle with stairs everywhere around and on the sides, the countless prison cells containing the prisoners along with the corridors for the guards to walk on to check on the confined criminals.
The innocent boy shifted in his wooden, almost broken bed, pulling on his blankets even more. The cold swept through his entire being, making him shiver uncontrollably. The boy frowned in his sleep when a dark looming shadow covered the boy's body.
The silhouette of a man stood over Kuroko's bed. His eyes, with a piercing glare, looked at the boy. The sleeping boy shifted again, fighting the cold. The mysterious man saw this and took few steps closer to the bed so he was right above the boy and then kneeled down facing the boy who was facing him in sleep, shivering.
The man's eyes softened and a warm smile showed on his face. The figure extended his right hand and carefully stroked the sleeping boy's cheeks, trying to warm them up the best he can. Now his other hand joined in as well as he tried warming up Kuroko even further.
Kuroko leaned closer onto the stranger's warm hands subconsciously in his sleep, attracted by the warmness they offered. This made the man smile further and encouraged him to slip into the bed as well.
Carefully but cautiously, the man gently pushed Kuroko a bit so he could also lay down on the bed. The teal boy's body complied as the man lay down on the bed and wrapped Kuroko in the blankets, not covering himself at all. He then placed his arms around the smaller figure and inhaled Kuroko's intoxicating smell of vanilla atop his head.
Kuroko moved closer to the man's body which offered so much warmth and comfort. This made the man chuckle a bit as his ruby red eyes looked at Kuroko lovingly. His left hand which was placed around Kuroko slowly started stroking his soft teal blue hair as if to reassure and comfort him.
Kuroko smiled and further buried himself against the body of the bed's second occupant. Akashi smiled and closed his eyes, savouring the moment. Finally after 10 years, he can touch and feel his loved one. He would protect him no matter the cost. This time, he would succeed and no one would get in his way. However…
Akashi's smile slowly disappeared as he shifted Kuroko from himself a bit so that he could examine his chest. Akashi moved the blanket from Kuroko's upper body and then unbuttoned the first few buttons of the bluenette's shirt. When the skin was exposed, Akashi ran his right hand through the surface of the chest, placing it in the center. He closed his ruby eyes and held his hand on Kuroko's bruised bare chest. The sleeping teen frowning in sleep due to the loss of warmth in that area.
'Sei.. Sei… Seijuro… My loved one…' a voice the redhead knew all too well suddenly spoke to him through his mind. Then with a small giggle, the voice disappeared, leaving Akashi in the dark.
The red head opened his eyes and moved his hand away from Kuroko's bare chest covering it with the shirt and the blanket before embracing Kuroko tightly again in his arms, further pushing the sleeping teen into his chest.
'So he's slowly awakening…' Akashi whispered to himself and Kuroko moved slightly in his sleep.
'I'm sorry Tetsuya… If only I was stronger… This would have never happened.' Akashi caressed the soft cheek of the teal boy before closing his eyes again and surrendering to sleep.
xXx
Baby teal blue eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the light before completely opening. Kuroko frowned from the cold that surrounded him but strangely he didn't feel that cold. He moved his hand to the right side of the bed and much to his surprise it was warm. Did someone sleep here? He asked himself but dismissed the thought as his heavy eyes slowly closed again
They didn't stay closed for long as Kuroko quickly sat up, realising where he is. This is not home, no. This is the Blood Prison. Suddenly all of the events which occurred yesterday ran through him as if someone shot him with a bullet to make him remember.
Kuroko quickly got out of bed and winced when his bare feet touched the cold concrete floor of the cell. He felt as if though he stepped onto ice before spotting his shoes next to a small almost broken table to the right.
Kuroko put his shoes on and analysed his small cell. The bed he slept in is a double-decker bed with thin blankets which couldn't warm you up even in the coldest of days. He sighted before looking at the small table and a chair next to him. After looking through the drawers, hoping to find anything he could use, Kuroko sighted again when he didn't find anything.
'Oi! It's almost 8 a.m.! Let us out!', a voice startled Kuroko and made him walk to his metal bars. His small frail pale hands gripping tightly onto them. The sight which greeted Kuroko made him fall onto his knees, his head tilted downwards but the horrifying sight in front of him was still in view.
I'm really in Blood Prison. I'm really here. The teal boy repeated to himself as small tears formed at the corner of his eyes. Suddenly a loud alarm like sound woke Kuroko up from his trance before he stood up and noticed that his cell doors were opening. They must be operated electronically. He noted. It's perfectly understandable seeing how large the prison is.
A crowd of prisoners wearing the prison uniform of black and white stripes stepped out of their cells swirling the outside stairs and halls to get to their destinations. Kuroko hesitantly stepped out but after seeing macho built men walk his way, he quickly got back into his cell and hid.
'Hey are you sure he's in here?' one of the men asked.
'Not sure… maybe he's in the lower floors?' the other replied.
'Let's find him before anyone else does. I mean it's a big catch!'
'Hehe you're right! We can't let anyone else taste that sweet virgin boy before we do.'
The group of men stopped in front of Kuroko's prison cell, noticing that no one is inside and then moved on. Kuroko shivered slightly and decided to wait a bit before most of the prisoners got out of the building. The prison is huge and Kuroko guessed that the building he is in must be but a small part of the whole prison campus.
Not much time passed before Kuroko could hear an all too familiar voice. The voice itself made him shiver in fear, his eyes wide open looking outside his prison bars from under the bed where he hid. Finally two pairs of feet came into his view.
'Thanks for showing me the way sempai~ I really don't know what I would have done without you~' Kise thanked his companion beside him. The man has short black hair and a smaller body build than Kise but despite being shorter than the playboy blonde, the prisoner showed an aura of authority and knowledge, perhaps he is a veteran prisoner?
'Shut up rookie. You promised me candy and I don't give out my services for free.' the man said with evident annoyance. The blonde only pouted but smiled at his companion.
'So mean Kasamatsu-san! I'm just looking for a friend!', the blonde replied before the two stopped in front of Kuroko's cell.
'So what does your friend look like?'
'Hmmm~ Teal blue hair with matching eyes, short posture and of course he's very cute! You would notice him anywhere! He really stands out!' the blonde said cheerfully making the other frown in disgust.
'Well if he's a newbie like you then he should be around here. I saw the guards taking the rookies to this area of the building.'
'Hmmm~' the blonde eyed Kuroko's prison cell from outside before going inside. His amber eyes examining every inch of the room. He climbed up the small unstable stairs which led to the upper deck of the bed and then climbed down. After examining the top and bottom parts of the bed, Kise headed for the small table and chair, opening every drawer there is.
Finally his eyes caught something, making him smirk sarcastically. A small piece of candy wrapped up in paper was placed on the small table. The prisoner who left must have forgotten their precious candy, how foolish. The blonde smirked before swiftly taking the candy and putting it in his pocket secretly. This however didn't escape Kuroko who saw the blonde taking his one and only candy. He couldn't go out and reveal himself though, who knows what the blonde might do to him if he does. He was foolish for not noticing it before. Kuroko formed a wrist with one of his hands, quietly smashing the ground with it out of frustration.
Kise flinched after hearing the small inaudible sound coming from the bed. He turned around and looked at it questioningly before his partner called out to him.
'Oi nobody's here. Don't waste my time, I already told you the places where you should search so hand over the candy newbie.' Kasamatsu said and Kise looked back one last time before going out the small prison cell.
'What's the rush Kasamatsu-san~ I still haven't found my friend~' Kise smiled and hovered over the other showing dominance and superiority. Kasamatsu looked back at him with cold eyes as amber and brown eyes met.
A small smile escaped Kasamatsu before he swiftly apprehended Kise and pushed him towards the wall. The blonde was taken aback by the speed and strength of the other but before he could fight back, a small pocket knife appeared beside his head making the blonde stop all his struggles.
'Looks like you don't know how things work here newbie~ This is my territory, my rules. You who just came here has no right to order me around. Now I suggest you hand over that candy you promised me before I cut your insides out.' the cold voice of Kasamatsu made Kise shiver a bit, eyes open wide.
Finally after coming back to his senses, Kise grinned letting out a small chuckle, making the other even more agitated.
'Whoa~ So scary~ Sorry Kasamatsu-san for holding you up. I'll be a good boy from now on~' Kise smiled cheerfully. Kasamatsu looked at him weighing out the options if he should really let him go or just get it over with right here and now. The latter decided to let him go eventually and after letting go, Kise touched his wrists which Kasamatsu held tightly while restraining him.
'Thank you for your help Kasamatsu-san~ Here just like I promised.' the blonde put his right hand into his right pocket and took out a small candy. He obediently handed it to Kasamatsu making the other look at him disgustingly before leaving.
Kise watched Kasamatsu's retreating figure before glancing at the empty prison cell one more time. He smirked and licked his lips with his tongue, his amber eyes flashing dangerously.
'You can't hide for long Kurokocchi~ I'll find you wherever you are~' the blonde said teasingly before slowly making his way to other cells to continue his search for the lovely teal head teen who he met yesterday.
Kuroko lay down under his bed, still frozen in place by witnessing the blonde. Just great, Kuroko knew right away when he came into the prison, heck even before when he was in the van, he knew that the blonde was dangerous. Now he's certain that he must avoid Kise at all costs. Otherwise who knows what he might do to him. Kuroko shivered at the thought and decided to stay under the bed longer until he is sure that the blonde is really gone.
xXx
After about an hour Kuroko slowly but hesitantly got out from under the bed. He cautiously went to the doors of his cell and saw that nobody was outside. The teal head sighted in relief. How can I survive? How will I survive? The cruel reality still didn't catch up to him when he looked at the countless empty prison cells before him from behind his prison bars. Am I really a criminal? His frail fingers gripped the cold bars once again. His eyes closed, his mind trying to formulate a plan of what to do next.
'Tetsuya.'
'Huh?' Kuroko quickly turned around after hearing a voice call out his name. After seeing Kise and the other group of inmates, he really didn't want to encounter anyone right now. Fear took him over while trying to find the source of the voice, but much to his disarray he couldn't see anyone.
'Tetsuya.'
'W-Who's there? Show yourself.' Kuroko's shaking voice said but the mysterious voice became silent for a bit before speaking again.
'Red is the colour of love.'
'Red is the colour of the heart.'
'Whenever I see red, I think of you…'
'I will always stay by your side. You who has the colour I love so much.'
'Red is the colour of love.'
'Red is the colour of the heart.'
'I will always love you, the one who has the colour I love.'
'Do you remember this song? The song you used to sing to me?' a loving yet calming voice asked Kuroko but the teal boy had no idea what the voice was talking about. The song did sound strangely familiar but Kuroko couldn't place his mind on where he heard it before.
'W-Who are you? What song are you talking about?' the teal head asked the inner voice but received no reply. Finally the voice spoke back.
'I will make you remember, because you are the one I love.' and with that the voice disappeared completely, leaving Kuroko confused. He looked around his cell for any cameras or speakers but found none. Was everything that happened getting to him? Making him hallucinate? Still Kuroko could not shake the familiarity and the feeling that he had heard the song before.
'Red is the colour of love.'
'Red is the colour of the heart.'
Kuroko sang to himself to help him remember but nothing came to mind. He sighted. He must be tired and traumatised. Yeah that must be it.
Kuroko slapped himself lightly with both hands on both cheeks at the same time before going back to his bed. He sat down when he heard loud rumbling coming from his stomach. Kuroko blushed, glad that nobody heard him. He didn't eat yesterday at all and he could eat a bread or two. Come to think of it, the prison must have it's own canteen.
Kuroko gulped and gathered the courage to venture outside. One step at a time Kuroko got out into the corridors, eyeing the other empty prison cells beside him before going down the stairs. Unfortunately his cell was almost at the top of the building which made Kuroko's journey to the canteen even longer.
While walking the countless stairs, Kuroko touched the steel cold collar he wore around his neck. He tried to get it off with both of his hands but failed. The metal wouldn't budge and would remain on his neck until someone took it off. Now that he remembers, he needs to find candy before the poison kills him. Others started off with at least one candy but courtesy of Kise, Kuroko started off with none.
Panic came over him knowing that he has to do something to earn the candy. Maybe he could do it like Kasamatsu who offered Kise help for the price of candy. The only problem is that Kuroko doesn't know where he is, let alone help someone get around the place.
The teal head continued his journey to the canteen and finally reached the bottom floor. His feet hurt and he was starting to sweat a bit from the number of stairs he had to walk on. He continued walking towards huge steel doors which were wide open and found himself outside the prison building, and just like he thought, his prison building is one of many in the campus.
Kuroko looked around and noticed circular prison buildings but the things which caught his eyes and felt out of place were the roller coasters, a sports field of some sort and other buildings with weird decorations on them such as a large pink plush of a bunny with his head cut off and holding it in his hands. The teal haired boy could see number of people passing him by. The prisoners who wore the same black and white stripes clothing just like him.
If Kuroko could be anymore grateful for his lack of presence it would be now. He viewed it as a hindrance ever since he was born but now, he thanked the heavens for the gift of near invisibility. It had helped him countless times when he needed it, and helped him get away from the blonde playboy. Kuroko manoeuvred his way around the inmates, going in and out of different building until he finds the one he is looking for.
Finally after some time, he found what he was looking for. The canteen was inside a large building, one of the largest ones in the prison. He went inside, avoiding others with his misdirection and finally stood in front of the counter. There behind it stood an older aged woman with dyed brown hair, serving meals to the prisoners with no motivation at all. You can tell she doesn't like her job at all.
Kuroko took a tray, fork and a knife before lining up the line which formed before the counter. He lined up behind a larger inmate who had a large built and was slightly tanned. If Kuroko could guess, the man is probably a sumo wrestler of some sort. The man burped without a shame and Kuroko looked at the two others who stood before the large tanned man.
'Gross! You really have to stop.', a man with raven black hair which stretched out to his shoulders said after turning to face his friend who stood behind him.
'Mind your own business Mibuchi! I can burp whenever I want and wherever I want so suck it up.', another loud burp escaped the man's mouth.
'Geez, no wonder you are single. Monkeys aren't attractive at all.', Mibuchi countered before turning to face the front while the burping man shifted in annoyance.
'You don't have a lover either so you can't really talk. Even Hayama is single so leave me alone.' Nebuya pushed his tray forward so it hit Mibuchi's back. Mibuchi winced and looked at Nebuya annoyingly, but before the two could start arguing back and forth, another person interrupted them.
'Hey calm down you two~ I'm hungry so let's just get some food. Ah! By the way did you see the newbies? Nothing special if you ask me~ I bet none of them are even power users.', Hayama spoke from in front of Mibuchi when the latter punched him in the head.
'Hey! What the hell Reo!'
'You idiot! You can't talk about that here! We'll be punished! Hold your tongue in, moron.'
'Haha sorry~ sorry~', Hayama apologised and the three spent the rest of the wait in silence but had some chatter here and there. Kuroko caught the word power users and wondered what it means. Were prisoners categorised? If so what category does he belong to? Probably the lowest group there is.
Suddenly as if to wake him up from his thoughts, someone bumped into Kuroko from the back. The said person looked in front of him but didn't seem to notice Kuroko standing in front of him, as usual.
'Huh? Did I just bump into something?' the person asked himself and scratched his head with one of his hands, leaving the other to hold his tray.
Kuroko sighted and spoke up. 'Ummmm, over here.' he said and lifted his right hand just like students do when they are asked a question or when they volunteer.
The taller person looked downwards and spotted Kuroko. He flinched, his split eyebrows furrowing and his tray almost falling out of his hands. The said man straightened and started to get himself together after the scare.
'You bastard. You did that on purpose!' suddenly he grabbed Kuroko by the collar and lifted him up making both of their trays fall onto the group, and grabbing the attention of most people around them. Kuroko looked around him, scared of the attention he was getting from the rest and from the one holding him in the air.
'I didn't do it on purpose. This was just a misunderstanding. Please let me down', Kuroko also motioned his eyes to the rest, giving the tall redhead a sign that others were watching them. The redhead saw this and put Kuroko down.
'There's nothing to see here so get back to what you were doing!' he said and the rest of the people in the canteen slowly averted their eyes away and continued their activities. Kuroko sighted in relief before facing the red haired man again. Wait… red hair. Red hair.
Kuroko looked closely at the red haired man. His hair colour is similar to that of the red man who had killed his parents but… there is one thing that's different and that's his eyes. The red man's eye was golden but this man's eyes are a darker shade of red. Still Kuroko stayed suspicious.
'Oi! Quit staring at me pipsqueak. Didn't anyone teach you manners?' the man looked at Kuroko threateningly but Kuroko is not one to lose to an ill mannered person like this one.
'I apologise but you can't complain either since you just picked me up threateningly.' Kuroko and the man looked at each other, not one of them wavered. Their glares were intense but it finally stopped when the lady behind the counter called out to the next one in line which is Kuroko.
Kuroko turned around, completely ignoring the taller redhead and went to the not so happy lady to get his food. After getting it, Kuroko looked for a place he could sit on. He looked around the huge canteen but much to his disarray most of the seats were taken. He saw the three prisoners who stood in front of him in the line, seated at the left side, throwing food at each other. They must be good friends. Kuroko noted before spotting an empty table for two at the corner of the large room.
Without anyone noticing him, Kuroko swiftly manoeuvred his way to the table and sat down. His stomach growled ever so slightly before he took a wrapped hamburger into his hand, unwrapped it and started eating. It's strange that hamburgers are served in prison but then again this place is not ordinary itself.
He ate before spotting the same redhead who confronted him before. He looked troubled, probably because he couldn't find a seat as well. He looked around and much to Kuroko's surprise headed his way. The redhead came to the seat in front of Kuroko, on the other side of the small table and sat down. He threw the tray on the table, not caring if the contents spilled out and then sat on the chair in the same uncaring manner
He then took one hamburger from the huge pile of them which were on the redhead's tray and started eating. Kuroko looked at the prisoner with a blank face. He couldn't believe how dense this person is.
Finally after a few minutes the redhead turned around to Kuroko's direction and gulped his food forcefully, making him choke in the process and drink his coke to make the food easier to swallow.
Kuroko blinked twice before the redhead adjusted himself and asked the obvious question 'Where did you come from!'. Kuroko sighted and said his usual 'I was here the whole time'.
'No way, even before I sat here?'
'Yes, I was here before you.', Kuroko took his drink which was a vanilla milkshake and started drinking it. His eyes sparkled from the taste of the drink. Maybe prison food wasn't so bad. Now Kuroko found something he would get from the canteen every time he goes there.
The man on the other side deadpanned, looking at Kuroko who had imaginary start flying above him. He really does like that milkshake so much. The redhead sighted and leaned back onto his chair, taking another bite from his hamburger.
'No wonder you're a pipsqueak, just one burger? You should eat more.'
'One is enough for me. Thank you for your concern.' Kuroko said before silence overtook them. Kuroko stared at the man, comparing him to the red man, exploring the possibilities if it could be him. He could have wore contact lenses for all Kuroko knew.
While Kuroko stared at the redhead, the said man returned the stare but for different reasons. He sat up and leaned over the table.
'Hey… do you have any powers? Your lack of presence is really something. Is that your power? Invisibility?', the man asked but Kuroko only looked at him with evident confusion on his face.
'Power? What do you mean?', the redhead furrowed with Kuroko's reply but he looked like he was troubled with something.
'Never mind.', he leaned back onto his chair before taking another burger from the tray. 'Forget what I said.' the redhead said, turning his eyes away from Kuroko.
Kuroko glared at the man with confusion. Power? Superpowers? Kuroko is not one to believe in the supernatural or fantasies so it must be something else. Is there something only certain prisoners know about? If so what is it?
The redhead looked at Kuroko once again and noticed his stare. It bothered him a bit but then he asked the question that was on his mind ever since he saw the small boy.
'Oi, are you a chick?'
Kuroko deadpanned. What? Not only was the redhead very very rude but now he's mistaking Kuroko is a woman?
'No. I'm a boy.'
'Hmmm~ Really? You look like a girl though.'
'I'm a boy.'
The prisoner stared at Kuroko and settled with the thought of Kuroko being a girl, despite Kuroko telling him he's not.
'So what's a girl like you doing here? What did you do?'
A vein popped up on Kuroko's face but he tried to remain calm. It could be dangerous to cause a scene.
'I didn't do anything. I was framed, and I'm not a girl.', Kuroko replied as the man's eyebrow rose.
'Yeah right, but really what did you do?', Kuroko was really starting to get annoyed with the redhead in front of him now.
'Why do you keep asking me questions if you don't listen to my answers…', the teal boy stopped realising that he doesn't know the stranger's name yet. He looked at the man before him. The man sighted and took a bite from his burger.
'Kagami. Pleasure all mine~'
'Kuroko. Nice to meet you Kagami-kun.' Kuroko extended his hand for a handshake but Kagami stared at it disapprovingly, not returning the act. Kuroko felt awkward so he retreated his hand.
'How many candy do you have?' Kagami asked out of nowhere which made Kuroko wince, but at the same time the horrifying fact came back to the teal head. He has no candy!
'I have none.'
'What!? Are you serious? Then how did you pay for the food?'
'Pay? The lady just gave it to me.'
'Are you serious!? You have to pay for the food with candy depending on the food you order. Take the food both of us have for instance. They are both worth two candy bars, and you're telling me you got it for free!?', Kagami wide eyed leaned onto the table, closer to the teal teen.
'Yes. I didn't know you have to pay for it.' Kuroko said and Kagami narrowed his eyes. Kuroko gulped and kept looking at the redhead.
'You're strange, but pretty hot too.' Kagami smiled and on looked Kuroko in his mocking manner. Grinning to himself, Kagami took another burger from his tray. The large pile in front of him slowly disappearing.
Kuroko sighted. He just couldn't reason with Kagami no matter what he did. The latter would only think what he wants to think without listening to Kuroko at all. Well so far he thinks that Kuroko is a girl, which is the one thing that bothers him the most. Anyway, he needs to get candy. He doesn't even know how much time he has before the poison kills him.
'Kagami-kun, how long can a prisoner survive without eating candy?'
'Huh? You don't know? A day at most.'
'A day…', since Kuroko received the collar yesterday night, he only has today to get candy. If he doesn't he would die in his sleep waking up to no tomorrow. He refused to die, what's more, he refuses to die this way. For something he didn't even do.
'What are the ways to get candy? Do you play games?'
'Che! You newbies really get on my nerves. Why should I help you anyways? You look weak to start with. You won't survive even a day let alone a month. Give it up shorty. From the moment you stepped onto the prison grounds you are a deadman.' Kagami said with no interest at all. In his book, Kuroko is one of those types of weak guys who can't take the brutal life of this place. He will probably die off with no one remembering him. Not like he cared though. Every man for himself! That's his motto and he's followed it ever since he got locked up in this hell hole. It worked so far so Kagami decided to rely only on himself.
In prison, once you help someone or rely on someone, it brought you no good. That's why Kagami has always been a lone wolf. Consuming anything and anyone that came his way. He would beat everyone and become the strongest. Yes, that's the only way to survive.
'It's true that I'm weak but I certainly have no intention on dying here. Please help me Kagami-kun. At least tell me the ways of how to get candy. It's not much to ask for.'
Kuroko pleaded while Kagami looked at him with a smirk. Maybe he could use this teal head? Who knows, he does look hot. Maybe he could have some fun with him later. Kagami licked his lips just like a predator looking at his pray and leaned over the table.
'Sure I'll help you babe~ So here's the deal, you can earn candy in many different ways. Sports, which you play in teams but this one is tricky because if the whole team loses then everyone gets killed. So basically if you're really good but you're in a shit team, you still die. Nobody tends to play sports although some morons formed their own teams and compete in them. They're rare but that's one way.'
Kuroko nodded and Kaami continued.
'Another way is to compete in contests. Now this is one of the most popular forms of earning candy since you rely only on yourself. There are many types of contests. Every day they're different so there is no way of predicting what will be waiting for you. If you have no candy and have to earn it on that day, and the contest type is something you're not good at then you have to suck it up. Either compete or die. Your choice.'
Kuroko nodded once again, silently telling Kagami to continue.
'Then there are more… boring ways to get the candy. Like chess tournaments, shogi tournaments and such. Basically it's for nerds so don't bother. Then last but not least… there are more… interesting ways to get it.' Kagami grinned sarcastically which made Kuroko shiver.
'One of the most popular attractions is to sell your body. Basically porn. You do your thing, the people there film it and put it on the internet. You get your candy but also pleasure. I think it would be the best for you, seeing how well built and sexy you are.' Kagami licked his lips.
'There's a catch though. If you receive good reception from the viewers then they will ask for you again and again and again. Not bad if you ask me.'
Kuroko sat shocked in his seat. The prisoners can also earn candy… with filming porn? and the prison allows it? They even film illegal material and put it on the internet for the whole world to see. Are they nothing but tools for them? The garbage of society which doesn't have any use other than entertaining and pleasing others in the outside world?
Kuroko was frozen and seeing him Kagami smirked further.
'Hey you don't have to do it if you don't want to. But desperate times call for desperate measures. It's not like you're a virgin right? So something like that should be just a walk in the part for most of us.'
Kagami took his drink and sucked on the straw. He looked at Kuroko and noticed the slight blush on his cheek. Suddenly, the large redhead spilled all of his drink from his mouth and choked.
'N-No way! You a virgin? Seriously!"
Kuroko blushed even more. Not again… why is it such a big deal anyway? However this time he decided to keep his composure and keep calm. He straightened up and faced Kagami with determination.
'Yes and no. I won't do that kind of a thing. I would prefer to enter a contest if possible. How much candy do you get from a contest anyway?'
Kuroko asked but Kagami still looked at him like predator does his prey. The smirk never left his face as he looked at the smaller teen. He would sure as hell enjoy this.
'3 candy max. But I heard that today you need a partner to participate. It's a team contest where you and your partner run to the goal as fast as you can with obstacles blocking your way. Many of the newbies will surely die~ You sure you're up for it babe~?' Kagami smirked, stood up and walked closer to Kuroko until he was standing behind him.
He leaned down and when Kuroko tried to stand up, Kagami held him down with both hands on his shoulders. Kuroko winced at the force. The two however, still looked normal to the other occupants of the canteen so they didn't draw any attention. That and their table was more secluded from the rest than others.
'What are you doing Kagami-kun?' Kuroko tilted his head backwards to look at the redhead.
Kagami smirked and leaned down so that his head was placed at the crook of Kuroko's neck. He exhaled and then inhaled the sweet smell of vanilla coming from the teal haired boy.
'Listen. I'll get straight to the point. You won't survive the contest, heck you can't even enter if you don't have a partner and I doubt anyone would pair with a newbie. Everyone values their life after all. Pairing with you is like having a death wish~', Kagami whispered and smirked further when he noticed a shiver running through Kuroko. He chuckled a bit before continuing.
'Come on let's do it. You and me. There's nothing to lose. You'll get candy plus pleasure. We'll be killing two birds with one stone.'
Kagami now moved his hands to trap the teal head further by embracing him from behind. It wasn't meant to show affection but instead meant to trap him, use him. Kuroko felt as if cold metal chains wrapped around him, so cold and full of greed.
'Since it will be your first time, I'll be extra careful. Millions will also watch you from their screens losing your virginity~ Isn't that great~' Kagami leaned further into Kuroko, completely restraining him from escaping. Kuroko panicked but decided to stay calm, which was harder to do than he thought.
'Is that how you usually earn your candy? Kagami-kun?' Kuroko asked with horrified eyes which held defiance, even with the current situation.
Kagami's eyes narrowed.
'Nah, I get it another way but I'll make an exception this one time~ Since it will be with you~'
Kagami took a long inhale which made Kuroko shiver. His nose pressed against the exposed neck. Kuroko has to get out of here and now. The last thing he wanted was to have another predator apart from Kise after him but looks like that's just what he got. Now he has both Kagami and Kise to worry about.
Kuroko struggled a bit but found an opening and punched Kagami with his elbow into the redhead's stomach. Kagami let go right away and the teal teen took this chance to run for it. Many people told him that he has very sharp elbows and the teen used it many times for self defence when he could in school against bullies. It worked most of the time which made it his signature weapon.
Kuroko panted as he ran out of the canteen. He used his misdirection and lack of presence to escape the notice of other prisoners around him. He ran as far away from the canteen as he could, not even knowing where he was going.
He turned into a corner and stopped. Panting harshly before calming down a bit. He gathered the courage he had to look around the corner where he came from and to his luck the redhead was nowhere in sight. Kuroko was so relieved that he fell onto the ground, thanking the heavens for his successful escape.
He looked up at the sky and thought back about what happened. Now he's dead for sure. If he doesn't get candy he will definitely die, but even if by some miracle he does win something, anything at all, then he will live but he'll be hunted down by both Kise and Kagami who will kill him for sure. Probably torture and use him for sexual pleasure before killing him off. The idea made Kuroko shiver to the core. He curled up into a ball and stayed like that for a few minutes.
Every man for himself. The rule of the jungle. What did he expect? Cuddling, everyone to treat him politely and nicely? He was a fool for hoping that anyone would help him. There is no kindness in prison. It's a cruel place where every day is a battle for survival. This applies more so here because this is the infamous Blood Prison after all. What a fool he is. Kuroko mentally punched himself and remained curled up on the grass hiding behind the corner of a building. The sky above him was sunny, as if ignoring all of his troubles. It made him frustrated even further that no matter what happens to him, the world would continue to spin around.
xXx
Finally after a few hours, Kuroko overcame his fear and gathered the courage to stand up. He dusted his pants, getting the dirt off before peeking out of the corner. Seeing that the coast is clear, he used his misdirection, just in case someone was there, and walked to an unknown direction.
He has to enter a competition, a game of some sort. Anything just so he could survive. Anger rushed to him at how careless he was to leave his one and only candy exposed like he did. Anger boiled when he remembered that sly blonde fox stealing it.
Well past is in the past and Kuroko is not the one to ponder over things for a long time. But this really made him frustrated like never before. Maybe because his life is on the line and that because of his own carelessness he will die. Maybe he deserved it but Kuroko is determined not to give up.
He walked through the many buildings and spotted a large structure behind a building in front of him. He heard the loud voice of the commentator who was speaking through the microphone suddenly speak up, announcing the contest which was about to begin. Hope!
Kuroko ran towards the source and his eyes widened at the sight. He didn't know if he should rejoice or be horrified. The good thing is that he had found the contest he was looking for but the horrifying part was what he actually saw.
Large chain saws hovered over the racing field along with many other weapons. Large knives, scissors, guns of many shapes and sizes and many more tools used to take lives hovered over the whole racing track. People are supposed to run while evading those?
Kuroko's eyes widened further when he saw a huge pit full of sharp knives at the bottom so that when someone fell it would immediately kill them. Kuroko shivered. Now he's not sure he can survive this let alone win. Kuroko saw his only hope disappear as he dropped down on his knees.
The thing that surprised him though was the crowd of inmates who stood around the field, spectators probably. As well as the cameramen around filming for different TV stations.
'Come on! Come on! Come on! The race will start in a matter of minutes! Take this chance to earn 3 candy bars all at once!', the commentator announced and woke Kuroko up from his trace.
It's either this or… selling his body. Kuroko knew that the second option was unacceptable but now he's seriously considering it. Just do it with Kagami… get candy and live… no no no no. He can't do that… but he also can't compete here and die. He has no chance of winning at all.
'Hey! Hey! Did you hear? Mostly newbies will be competing! I hope they put on a good show for us.'
'Heh~ They probably had their candy stolen. They need to learn the hard way how it works here right? They'll all die.'
'Haha~ serves them right. Well at least we'll get a laugh!'
Kuroko overheard the conversation of one bold prisoner and his friend. It surprised him that most of the participants were newcomers since he thought that they would cower away and use the one candy they got to get used to the place before competing, but looks like most of them are in the same situation as he is. No wonder, it must be normal here then. Candy are everything and one would resort to even stealing if need be to get it.
Since most of them are newcomers like him maybe he could stand a chance? He could use his misdirection to evade some runners but the dangerous weapons still made him waver. It took only one glance at the huge gun placed to the side of the track to make Kuroko give up. He still weighed the options but he is certain that he would die. His body condition is weak by nature and he really can't see himself outrunning the guns.
Kuroko held his head down and started walking away from the crowd.
'Found you~ Kurokocchi~', the voice that purred his name made him shiver and Kuroko slowly looked upwards to see a slim blonde wearing the prison uniform with black and white stripes. His hands were in his pockets and a wide dangerous grin was plastered on his playboy face.
The look in his eyes was the same as that of a predator spotting his pray. Kuroko shivered but stood in place as the blonde made slow movements towards him. The blonde stopped once he stood right in front of Kuroko and ran his right hand softly across Kuroko's soft cheek.
He smirked, showing his white perfect teeth slightly. Kuroko didn't know what to do but forced himself to move and swiftly escaped the blonde. He turned around and ran as fast as he could into the crowd of prisoners.
Kise smirked before slowly walking behind him. He would enjoy this chase. Oh~ how he would enjoy it.
Kuroko panted, running as fast as he could.
'Hey! watch it!'
'Wanna fight?'
'Fucker!'
'Hey!'
Kuroko bumped into many people while running for his life. Not caring about the threats he received along the way. He glanced backwards to see if the blonde was still behind and much to his horror he was. He was slowly walking behind Kuroko taking his time, smirking further.
'Kurokocchi~ Why are you running away~?' the blonde purred, continuing to approach Kuroko in his slow pace. Kuroko quickly turned around, quickening his pace. Run, run, run!
The teal teen was making his way through the crowd when suddenly he froze again. The all too well familiar dark red hair appeared before him, his eyes widening when he spotted the teal boy. A smirk appeared on his face, he has found his target.
'Found you!', suddenly Kagami started running, making his way towards the bluenette. Kuroko stopped, fear skyrocketing. He looked backwards and saw the blonde approaching him and then he looked to the opposite side and saw the smirking redhead.
He decided to run the only way he could and that was the path towards the stage. He ran, moving people aside, no, pushing them aside, earning him more and more attention. That didn't matter to him at all right now though, all he can think about right now is getting away from the redhead and the blonde.
'Kurokocchi~'
'Oi! Kuroko~ Stop!'
He could hear the two familiar voices call out to him, making him shiver. He started shaking but he couldn't dare stop running. He ran and ran when finally he got out of the crowd of people. His eyes were closed but Kuroko noticed the unusual space around him. When he opened them, he saw a woman with light brown hair standing in front of him. She wore a funny looking red and blue hat accompanied with matching clothes.
'Are you another contestant?' she asked while Kuroko breathed heavily from all the running.
'N-N-', he stopped midway when he turned around and saw the blonde and the redhead right behind him standing in front of the crowd. Waiting for him to get off the stage to get him. They looked at him threateningly, making Kuroko more than scared. He is horrified.
'No? Then please go back to the rest of the spectators'
'Y-Yes! Please, I would like to participate.', Kuroko quickly told her, surprising her and himself. He never knew he could agree to something so fast.
'Alright. Where is your partner? You know you can't participate without one right?', she asked, looking around to see if she missed Kuroko's partner. After seeing no one there. She sighted.
'Sorry. No can do. No partner, no participation.' she clapped her hands and two huge built men appeared beside her. Both of them wore black tuxedo vests and black matching glasses. They hovered over Kuroko, covering him with their shadows. Each of them took one side of Kuroko's arms and carried him down the stairs where both Kise and Kagami waited.
'N-No please! I have a partner!' he called out to the woman and the two guards who are restraining him stopped in their place.
'You do? Where is he?' the woman asked as the two guards brought Kuroko back up. Tears started forming at the end of Kuroko's eyes. His mouth opened but no voice came out of it.
'Should we throw him out Miss Riko?' one of the guards asked and the woman stared at Kuroko before nodding.
'Take him away.' she said, making Kuroko shudder. No… he will be killed. He will be killed…
'Excuse me. I'm his partner. Could you please let him go?' a soft but firm voice called out to the group, making them all look his way.
A man with ruby red hair with matching eyes stood right beside the guards who held Kuroko. The man wasn't there before which made Kuroko wonder where he came from. He didn't complain though, right now he was speechless and didn't know what to think. But one thing is for sure, he sure as hell didn't want to go back to Kagami and Kise.
'Oh I see~ Sorry about the misunderstanding.', Riko signalled for the men to let go and they did. She approached Kuroko and patted him on the back.
'Geez~ You should have said something sooner! All of this unnecessary commotion could have been avoided!', she said before walking away to her position next to the microphone. She took it out of the holder and spoke.
'Ladies and gentlemen! Upps! I mean only gentlemen!', the prisoners laughed at her supposed joke, which she made on purpose.
'Today's game will begin! We wish all of today's contestants luck! Oh and please do make it entertaining! We all hate to watch boring shows.', she said and everyone booed at the contestants who were lined up in front of the starting line.
Riko turned around, realising she had forgotten to register the two remaining participants who just came.
'Err~ Sorry what are your names?' she approached Kuroko and the redhead who looked at her back.
'I'm Kuroko Tetsuya.' said Kuroko before he looked at the unknown redhead.
'Akashi Seijuro.', Akashi told Riko who hummed as she wrote down their names.
'Alright Kuro-chan and Aka-chan! Please line up. We'll begin soon!', she told them before leaving. The guards leaving with her as well.
Kuroko fell onto the floor again on his knees. What just happened? Did he really escape trouble? or did he get into an even bigger one? There is no way for him to survive this let alone win. He's dead either way.
'It will be okay. Don't worry. We'll win this and get the candy.', a warm arm wrapped around Kuroko and helped him stand up. Kuroko glanced up at the redhead, particularly his beautiful red eyes. He looked at them as if almost captured by them before he was woken up by Riko.
'Get on your marks!'
'Let's go. We have a game to win.', the redhead said before grabbing Kuroko's right hand and leading him to the start line. Kuroko didn't struggle but instead followed with obedience. He didn't know why but he felt strangely safe with this person. Warmth, protection and strength. Those are the things he felt coming from the redhead and it comforted him somehow. Making him believe that with Akashi, he could actually win. Maybe he could survive!
Kuroko and Akashi got up to the start line. Getting ready for the start of the race.
'Umm, I'm Kuroko. Nice to meet you Akashi-kun', Kuroko said and extended his arm to the redhead. Akashi smiled and extended his arm as well.
'I'm Akashi. Nice to meet you Kuroko. I hope we can be friends.', the redhead smiled and something in Kuroko stirred. He can't point it out exactly but this mixed feeling of warmth and strength made Kuroko trust Akashi. Maybe… just maybe… he's the ray of hope Kuroko has been looking for since coming to the prison.
'Yes.', Kuroko said before the shot signalling the beginning of the race was fired.
Author's note
FINALLY! I'M DONE WITH THIS CHAPTER! Believe it or not guys but I've been writing this for days! The characters suddenly came to life and did what they wanted, destroying my plans! Kagami was originally supposed to be a good guy but... but... he's become a monster just like Kise! Haha I really didn't expect this! I know I wrote it but I swear! The characters are alive! and they are controlling me on what they want to do XD Sorry Kagami and Kise! I still love you though! Also, sorry for any grammar mistakes you find *bows* I didn't write in a while so I became rusty. As well sorry to those who hate long chapters *bows again* I just had to do it. The ending might seem a bit rushed though. I was really tired.
Many of you may be wondering why I didn't update for a while and why didn't keep my promise. The reason is that I received shocking news from my school which made me lock myself in my room, sulking in depression. It was the worst period of my life... When I came online though I tried to act normal so people won't notice. I'm sorry not updating and I really hope that my depression didn't affect the chapter. Sorry again, I really love you guys and it pains me when I don't keep my promises. Your lovely messages were the light that shone through my darkness XD So thank you so much to those people. I will forever love you! *hugs and kisses*
I want to thank EclipseKuran, AikahisakatuHogo-sha, 3 Guest Users, Aoi.C, Scarlet Aki-chin, Rakidori, UraHime Hikaru, Killua17 and Akakuro Seiya for reviewing the previous chapter. THANK YOU! I LOVE YOU ALL! Also, due to AikahisakatuHogo-sha asking me some awesome questions, I decided to do a Q&A corner at the end of each chapter to share everyones questions so that others could see it. Ask me anything in your reviews and I'll include it in the Q&A corner :)
Thank you again for your patience and for putting up with me. THANK YOU! I will update the next chapter whenever I can so please wait for it. Ah also, please review~ It sends hearts my way XD LOVE YOU! See you soon!
Q&A
Q) Who is the Red Man?
A) The identity of the red man will not be revealed YET but I think that with the hints I am giving, people will know :P
Q) Soo, did the guard really give that note to him for the reason Kuroko think he did? I think I'm reading to much into that.
A) Yes. The guard really did give Kuroko that letter for what he thinks he did. Both the prisoners and the guards are like wolfs who pray on poor sheep Kuroko XD
Q) Is Aomine going to be Kuroko's first real friend? Will Momoi play a important part in this story?
A) Aomine will DEFINITELY appear in the story. I'm not sure if it will be in the next chapter or the one after that but he will appear soon! As for Momoi, she is more of a behind the scenes character. She will have a role as well and will interact with Kuroko.
Q) What about Kise? Will the Generation of Miracles be known as the 'Generation of Miracles'?
A) The GoM will appear as well... spoilers!
Q) Will some die from not having the candy?
A) Prisoners will die from not eating the candy when they should. So far I didn't plan that far ahead on which poor character will die but there will definitely be someone who will.
Q) How will Kuroko get the candy if it involves participating in those 'games'? Will Kuroko have to kill at some point? What is the rest of the song? Will Kuroko remember? Is there something for Kuroko to remember in the first place? Is Kuroko going to have his 'innocence' stolen? Who will help him?
A) Kuroko will get the candy in his own way. No comment on the killing (spoilers). Kuroko will remember the song but it will be by the end of the story :) Maybe he will start to remember it gradually. And yes, Kuroko has A LOT of things to remember. Hmmm... no more comments on Kuroko or I would be giving you too much XD
Q) Why did everyone faint? Is it becuase they don't want the prisoners to find a way out?
A) Everyone fainted because they were knocked out by the guards. They did it so they could carry the prisoners to their cells and then have them start their first day in the morning. They do it to all of the prisoners who come. It's a usual routine they do with newbies.
Q) Is there actually a way to escape Blood Prison? Has Akashi found a way out?
A) No comment on the way out (due to spoilers)
- All of the questions so far are from AikahisakatuHogo-sha. THANK YOU FOR THE LOVELY QUESTIONS AND FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE!
Next chapter preview
Kuroko is watching a chess match take place before him. He is seated along with the rest of the prisoners who enjoyed watching the game on the sidelines while the main actors, a green head and his opponent played. Kuroko knew that the green head would win, judging from the reactions and facial expressions his opponent was making while the green head with black classes remained calm and composed. While waiting for his opponent's move, the calm man turned his gaze towards Kuroko as if looking for him specifically in the crowd. The two made eye contact before the green head's opponent made his move and he had to turn back to the game.
Next chapter: Your Move